PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM DECEPTIVE PRACTICES DURING THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        18 MARCH 2020

In the wake of the Corona Virus, the Competition and Fair Trading Commission wishes to inform the general public that there are some unscrupulous traders and companies that are taking advantage of the situation to promote certain products as cure or treatment for the Corona Virus.

According to international health authorities, there is no medically tested and approved product which can cure the Corona Virus. As such, any trader or merchant found representing that their product can cure the Corona Virus would be violating the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA) and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Likewise, any merchant found pricing excessively would be infringing the law.  

Section 43(1)(d) of the CFTA states that a person shall not, in relation to a consumer, engage in conduct that is likely to mislead the public as to the nature, price, availability, characteristics, suitability for a given purpose, quantity or quality of any products or services.

The Commission will impose stiff sanctions against any business person found engaging in deceptive practices or any other trade malpractices such as excessive pricing in the supply of products intended to fight the Corona Virus.

Finally, the Commission is appealing to all consumers to observe laid down health rules including washing hands and reducing unnecessary travel as ways of mitigating the spread of the Corona Virus.

For more information, you may contact the Commission on email: competitioncommission@cftc.mw / consumer@cftc.mw or Tel: +2653100014440.

JAMES KAPHALE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR